Folk Wisdom Find: Pa's Fiddle

Speaking of Little House on The Prairie...

You may remember, from those books (and the T.V. series), that Charles Ingalls (Laura's Pa) would break out the old fiddle and play a song at night, or at social events.

While this was often gleaned by as a small part of Ingall's talent, it's been recently noted that Pa Ingalls was a musician in his own right, creating, or recreating various violin tunes.

Recently, that talent has been rediscovered by a collective of folk and country musicians--including the likes of Randy Travis--and they've come together to reconstruct those forgotten works by Ingalls, and his contemporaries.

The result? Pa's Fiddle, An American band, was born. Beyond exploring the nearly 127 works of Ingalls's, The Pa's Fiddle Project celebrates mountain music and bluegrass, and it's made for a fine new musical legacy.

You can listen, and buy this compilation of their work HERE

You can see more HERE:

Folk Wisdom Find: How to Make Your Own Basket

Darn the Brits, if they don't have a grand sense of the Historic, even today!

Luckily for us, we have the European gifts of those who keep up the old ways, and then show us how.

Such is the case of  Jon Rigeon, woodmaster and nature-crafter extraordinaire who seems to work wood and other natural materials into beautiful and functioning works. His website is full of various projects and tutorials that are interesting and useful, and he even has a few e-books and online classes that would be of benefit.

Check out his step-by-step willow basket tutorial. Yes, he's using European measurements, but they can easily be converted over! With historically accurate techniques, it's a bit involved, but for the serious crafter, or curious enthusiast, it's a must!

If you've got a willow tree at hand (or some supplies), you can make yourself a beautiful basket!


http://www.bushcraft.ridgeonnet.com/basicbasket.htm